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3D Community​South Africa

Why This Initiative Was Started

​​The arrival of the Corona-Covid-19-Virus, has seen the 3D Community want to step forward collectively with a common goal of what can we do to help? South Africa has unique challenges iro the outbreak of Corona virus and if there is a way that 3D printing can collectively help anyone – the frontline unsung heroes (Doctors, Nurses, Emergency Personal), the community, vulnerable people, we need to help.

Mission

To connect as many 3D Printers and Users to front line emergency workers and provide them with basic PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). A distributed 3D Print network places a 3D printer in every community across South Africa, helping to get much needed PPE directly to the heroes that need this most.

How You Can Help

If you own or have access to a 3D Printer, we urge you to reach out to your local communities, Paramedics, Fire-Fighters, Local Hospitals, Private and Government Medical Practices, Community Neighborhood Watch, Law Enforcement, Private Security, Shopping Centers, Homeless Shelters and Public Transport.

Goal

​To flatten the curve and stop the spread of the Corona Covid-19 Virus.The sooner we can get the spread of this virus under control, and secure the safety of every South African, the sooner we can get this country back on track, return to work and business, and build an economy that can thrive as a unified nation.

The advantages of 3D printing are perfect for a lockdown. It requires little human interaction and can be done in the manufacturer’s home. Now, a community of South African 3D printers has joined forces to produce face shields and masks for those on the frontline. ​

What to 3D Print?

There are many different specific requirements that are needed by our Heroes, and we do not control what you 3D print, but we do have some recommendations, and you can download the files here.

Please remember, none of the items 3D printed are intended to replace current, certified and tested medical devices. These are PPE (Personal Protection Equipment). This is a last resort to provide protection when no other options are available

Face Shields

A face shield is the first line of protection, which helps to prevent direct splatter from a possibly infected person.

​The shield consists of a 3D printed headband, which is then coupled with a transparent piece of plastic for the face shield itself. This can be lasercut, or sourced from a document cover or transparency sheet. The design is printable in PLA or a variety of other common materials, and can be assembled easily with office supplies where necessary.

Punched Hole Face Shield

This is the original Prusa Style Face Shield which can be assemblied with a clear sheet of plastic with punched holes. A normal transparency or book cover can be used and holes can either be laser cut or punched with a standard office pucnh.

Clip Type Face Shield

This is a very simple face shield which does not require ore punched clear sheet, but rather uses bulldog paper clips to attached the clear transparency to the rim. This makes it simple for the user to replace transparencies when needed.

Face Shield Smaller Printers

Masks

Easy to Print Mask V2

This is the new Version 2 of the mask which prints in under 2 hours, prints with no supports and is easy to assemble.A standard N95 mask can be cut up into 6 sections to be used as filter material, which extends the use of N95 masks.

This print is proving unreliable, please use V1

Easy to Print Mask V1

This is the original V1 Mask which has already been supplied widely and used by EMS services (Fire Department)

Snorkel Adapter

Snorkel Adapter

The Snorkel Adapter has been developed to allow surgeons to attach an approved filter to a standard snorkeling mask. This mask creates a perfect seal to protect surgeons against the virus.​This is a challenging print

​Your support saves lives

​The need for Personal Protection Equipment for our medical professionals and first responders during this time is huge. The good news is that we can all play our part. The 3D printing community can fill the gaps with your help. To donate the finances to buy – at cost – the filament that is needed, please use one of the payment methods below.All funds are being administered and audited by the Water Institute of South Africa. Payments can be made by downloading the CHIPS Money Manager (a Trustlink company) on your app store, or by scanning the QR code with any Masterpass app, including Zapper, Snapscan and all the major banks.You can also input the 10 digit code: 4830235763 into your Masterpass app.

Alternatively, send an SMS to 081 042 5138 with the amount you would like to pledge. We will then forward you a link to pay directly from our bank account.